Scholarship enables student to build on skyscraper dreams

June 27, 2012

Tan Teck Chwee Scholarship recipient, Tung Qiao Yue.

It has been a difficult year for National University of Singapore (NUS) student Tung Qiao Yue. The Civil Engineering major, who just completed her Second Year, lost her father to lymphoma early this year. With her mother now the sole breadwinner for her and her brother, Qiao Yue is especially thankful for the Tan Teck Chwee Scholarship that she receives.

She says, “My parents have worked extremely hard to provide a comfortable life for my brother and me. I wanted to make my parents’ lives easier through the Scholarship.”

Qiao Yue, who is a star student with a Cumulative Average Point (CAP) of 4.44 out 5, receives the Tan Teck Chwee Scholarship, which was established with a joint gift from Jurong Shipyard Ltd and Jurong Engineering Pte Ltd. It was set up in the memory of their past Chairman, Mr Tan Teck Chwee, who also served as the Chairman of the Public Service Commission. The Scholarship is awarded to outstanding undergraduates studying Civil Engineering.

Qiao Yue’s interest in buildings and structures started in Junior College. “Who can resist those cool machines,” she laughs. “I hope to make a difference in Singapore’s landscape through my vocation.”

Since joining NUS, Qiao Yue has been working on more than just her grades. She resides on campus in Raffles Hall and participates in Hall activities. In her first year, she joined the Block Committee, which looks after residents in their respective blocks in the Hall. She was also on the Dinner and Dance Committee, and the ladies’ Floorball and Soccer teams. In her Second Year, she joined the Junior Common Room Committee, which is the main presiding committee of the Hall.

Despite her busy schedule at University, Qiao Yue still finds time for activities outside campus.

She says, “I am passionate about the sports that I play, reading, my family and friends and getting good grades. I also enjoy being involved in charitable activities.”

After her ‘A’ levels, Qiao Yue gave tuition to low-income children through the Singapore Children’s Society. She also volunteers at the Grassroots’ Meet-the-People sessions every week.

She says, “I feel that anyone with the capability to help others should embrace opportunities to do so. You not only help others who may have greater needs, but also develop who you are.”

She also adds, “I hope to be able to give back to NUS one day by helping needy students out. I feel that education is the key to breaking out of the poverty cycle. I also believe in the value of a good education, and that students will be able to receive such an education at NUS.”